Partnership Prospectus
INVESTING IN INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA We have reached a special time in history. For decades, Australian churches have – quite rightly – invested significant resource in overseas mission. Yet there is a vast mission field in our own backyard, with thousands of Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people yet to embrace the Good News of Jesus Christ. As the Bible tells us, Joshua became a great leader of his time for the children of Israel to take the land. Yet when he died, there was no one to take over his position; an entire generation was missing strong leaders. Now is the time to raise up the next generation of Indigenous Christians to help them realize their calling in furthering God’s Kingdom and be equipped to live that out. Indigenous Christians are uniquely positioned to disciple others in their own culture and language. But while many know how to evangelise and understand the Spirit, there is a considerable lack of intentional training that is so desperately needed. GANGGALAH IS A CHURCH IN TWEED HEADS CALLED BY GOD TO DO INTENTIONAL MINISTRY THAT ALLOWS OUR INDIGENOUS PEOPLE TO RISE UP.
Since 2007, more than one hundred Indigenous Christians – some from the most remote areas of Australia – have completed a ministry diploma through Ganggalah Training. We are hearing incredible stories of them going back into their communities and utilizing every skill they’ve gained to serve their local churches and develop ministries.
Asa Bawaqa with kids from Ramingining Community NT (Ganggalah Outreach)
A special ministry is also growing, taking non-Indigenous churches on a journey to understand and embrace Indigenous culture and intentionally connect with local Indigenous people. We are encouraging Aboriginal Arts as another expression of the dreamtime story that can beautifully express Biblical themes in a fresh way that is resonating deeply with schools, universities and communities. At this time, we believe God is calling Ganggalah to grow to yet another level as we serve Indigenous Christians and churches throughout Australia. Yet we lack the resources needed to see this vision happen. WILL YOU CONSIDER PARTNERING WITH US, AS WE SERVE GOD TO SEE INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA TRANSFORMED? Yours in Christ,
Ps Willie Dumas
IT IS FOR FREEDOM THAT CHRIST HAS SET US FREE. GALATIANS 5:1
About Ps William Dumas William Dumas is the Senior Minister of Ganggalah Church and CEO of Ganggalah Training Centre, based in Tweed Valley on the Gold Coast. Ps Will has travelled extensively throughout Australia and into remote areas of the outback ministering to Indigenous communities through outreaches, conferences and individual ministry. He is a well-known speaker with a mandate on his life to raise up the next generation of Indigenous leaders. Ps Will has been married to Sandra for 30 years with six children, one foster child and nine grandchildren.
Our Vision.
WE SEE GOD TRANSFORMING INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA. MULTIPLE GANGGALAH CAMPUSES TRAINING CREDENTIALED LEADERS WHO SUPPORT EXISTING CHURCHES AND PLANT NEW CHURCHES.
tr ai ni ng
equipping
Raising up the next generation of Indigenous Christian leaders
Encouraging and equipping Indigenous churches, outreach mini stri es and non- Indi geno us Aust rali an chur ches .
ab or igi na l
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Celebrat ing and promotin g Aborigina l arts and crafts shaped in Biblical themes.
One Heart, Three Expressions. Ganggalah Church has a heart for people of all cultures to be restored and released into God’s purpose. This is expressed through three unique national ministries.
DEVELOPING WELL-TRAINED AND QUALIFIED INDIGENOUS LEADERS
“We [as Indigenous Christians] have had much teaching, a little training, but practically no equipping.” Ps Kevin Sigai INDIGENOUS LEADER FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND
Ganggalah Training is equipping Christian leaders – especially Indigenous followers of Jesus – to go deeper in God’s Word and to know and live out their calling. By 2020, Ganggalah Training will be offered in multiple regional locations, training up to 500 people, with 20 Indigenous Pastors ordained and nine Indigenous churches planted.
Ettikai Reuben (known as Rebus) is a formally trained dancer, gifted didgeridoo player and singer. Rebus is in demand for his contemporary and traditional Aboriginal and Islander dances and formed his own dance company in 2010, Zion Dance Ministries. He has danced for major sporting organisations and churches and has recently returned from America where he preformed for universities and churches. Rebus is a tireless supporter of the Aboriginal arts, promoting the positive aspects of Indigenous culture. He is a student at Ganggalah Training and an active member of Ganggalah Church, along with his wife Michelle and their family.
GANGGALAH TRAINING AT A GLANCE
“When I first came to Ganggalah Church I felt I needed to get the foundation of my life established so I was encouraged by Ps William to enrol into the Certificate III In Christian Ministry & Theology course. This was the very first intake, so I’m quite proud to say I was one of the very first students at Ganggalah Training Centre. This course helped me to grow in God and challenged me to sort out character flaws that I previously didn’t recognise, and it also put a hope and a belief (that wasn’t previously there) for a great fulfilling future not only for myself but also for my family.
Began in 2007, with two student intakes each year Students live on campus in Tweed Heads for six months, learning and serving in the local church 102 graduates (67 Indigenous) completed Certificate III in Christian Ministry & Theology
I am still currently studying today, undertaking the Diploma in Ministry with Ganggalah and I know my faith and my family will all benefit from this as we continue to grow in God as a family together.”
68 graduates (25 Indigenous) completed Certificate IV
- Rebus
61 graduates currently in ministry 7 Diploma of Christian Ministry & Theology students 8 ordained pastors (5 Indigenous) 1 Indigenous church planted in Tamworth
*white dots indicate Ganggalah Training student locations
“Before I was saved my life was pretty much empty. I remember crying that I felt empty and lonely all the time. Having been through two broken relationships with my children’s fathers, my relationship with my daughter was not close... we were constantly having issues, and I always felt my family could be more loving and close. Since I have been saved in Ganggalah Church my life has changed so much. Giving my heart to the Lord, He in return has given me a loving husband [Rebus] who cares for me; we have also opened our home to two foster boys aged eight and four, along with my husband’s nephew who is 16 years old. He has also given his heart to the Lord. I will always give God the glory in what He has done and changed in my life. Today I love family time together and my relationship with my daughter has healed. My life is so full with work and looking after the boys, but I love every bit of it.” - Michelle Above Image: Ettikai & Michelle Reuben & Family. L-R: Bianca, Jarrah, Ettakai, Dirk, Michelle, Tom
EQUIPPING INDIGENOUS CHURCHES/ OUTREACH MINISTRIES & CULTURAL TRAINING FOR NON-INDIGENOUS CHURCHES
INDIGENOUS CHURCHES & OUTREACH MINISTRIES Pastor Willie and Ganggalah Training College students visit rural and remote Indigenous churches to support, encourage and train local Indigenous Christians. The Ganggalah team consistently brings a fresh word of hope to encourage these ministries. They proactively seek out potential emerging Indigenous Christian leaders to speak purpose and calling into their lives. These visits celebrate the diversity of Indigenous Australia and encourage an intentional connection with the local community to continue sharing Jesus far and wide.
“Ganggalah Training College offers hope and fresh life to many Indigenous Australians. We have had Ganggalah students minister in our church and they are so good for our people.
They impart life, fun, respect and Godliness as they share their lives – and their stories give so much hope to other people of all cultures.” Ps Mark Zaia MACQUARIE LIFE CHURCH, NEWCASTLE. NSW ACC CHURCH PLANTING STATE REPRESENTATIVE
TRAINING NON-INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIAN CHURCHES Ganggalah is committed to walking alongside nonIndigenous Australian churches to build their cultural awareness and explore how they can engage with local Indigenous people. Through practical, Bible-based teaching and training, Pastor Willie seeks to alleviate any fears, inviting churches to celebrate Australia’s Indigenous heritage and equipping them to open their doors to build genuine, respectful relationships with Indigenous people in their community.
God is clearly calling Ganggalah to step up in this unique ministry. Opportunity abounds to encourage and minister to Indigenous Churches and Outreach Ministries in remote areas. There is also a growing need to equip non-Indigenous churches nationally in the Biblical framework and practical skills necessary to embrace this country's Indigenous heritage and its people. Top Right: Ps Mark & Roz Zaia. Above: (L-R) Ps Adrian Itong, Ps William Dumas, Ps Greg Stubbs, Ettikai Reuben. Bottom Left: Ganggalah outrach team in the Northern Teritory.
ABORIGINAL ART CELEBRATING OUR RICH HERITAGE AND BIBLICAL STORY THROUGH ABORIGINAL ARTS AND CRAFT
'Art has given me a voice in which i can be heard. It's a creative space that reflects who we are, our dreams, our thoughts and emotions' Narelle Urquhart Artist, Wiradjuri NSW
Left: Narelle (R) & Katrina (L)
About Narelle: BORN 1971 IN LEETON, NSW OF THE WIRADJURI TRIBE.
Ganggalah Arts is focused on training and promoting Aboriginal art, cultural dance, drama, media and craft. We recognise that Indigenous artists have a unique, compelling way of sharing Biblical messages creatively in new forms. These dancers, actors and artists are already having an impact as they share their stories in schools, universities and communities. Ganggalah plans to establish a shop to sell Christian artwork, where Indigenous artists use their skills and leverage employment opportunities. Thousands of Australians will be exposed to the life-changing message of Jesus through creative Indigenous art forms.
Narelle has been painting for 14 years and is the mother of four children. Narelle is one of six children and is the daughter of well-known Aboriginal activist Iris Clayton; her father Tex Urquhart is white Australian with Scottish heritage. Not only was her mother part of the Stolen Generation, but Narelle and her siblings were also removed from their home in Sydney and taken to a Catholic Nunnery in Gosford NSW in the early 1970s. Eventually, Narelle’s father got them back and raised them as a single parent. Narelle is currently based on the Gold Coast raising her children, painting and working within schools. She has illustrated four publications and had several joint and independent art exhibitions. One of her recent illustrations was to the book “Tucker”, written by Wendy Notley. It is available online through Blake Education. It is part of a series that depict Aboriginal people, their stories, and culture. Narelle loves to paint Australian animals, plants and people’s personal stories, as well as, her spiritual beliefs. She hopes to set up mentoring art programs to help Indigenous artists retain more of their profits within their communities. Narelle has a web site under Morning Star Aboriginal Art www.morningstaraboriginalart.com.au
“Five Thousand” This painting of the fish and loaves speaks of God as a miracle working God and that through Jesus Christ all things are possible.
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA THE VISION TO SEE INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA TRANSFORMED IS SIGNIFICANT. YET TO SEE THIS VISION REALISED, WE NEED A CONSIDERABLE INVESTMENT OF RESOURCE.
“Over the past number of years, I have had the privilege of observing the integral part that Ganggalah has played in training young Indigenous men and women. It is particularly exciting to see the impact that is being made in this generation of emerging leaders.
THERE ARE A NUMBER OF WAYS TO SUPPORT GANGGALAH’S UNIQUE MINISTRY equipping.. TO INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA
Support Indigenous Churches & Outreach Ministries
Wayne Alcorn ACC National President
training.. “The value of what is being outworked at the Ganggalah Church and Training Centre based in the Tweed Valley is unlimited. The potential for the ministry there to grow and develop into an Australia wide vision of gathering, enabling and releasing leaders - particularly Indigenous leaders - is very exciting for the future. Ps William Dumas is a well-known speaker that has a mandate on his life to raise up the next generation of Indigenous leaders. I believe this ministry has the potential to change the entire landscape of Australian Christianity, especially among our Indigenous population.” Stephen Spence Senior Pastor LifeHouse Church Regional Leader, North Coast ACC District
“Ganggalah’s outreaches have made a huge impact on South Inverell and our city as a whole. Three times a year they bring a youth team of up to 20 young leaders and mentors; Pastor Willy ministers up to six times a year in the region with a number of churches and fellowships. Up to 130 Indigenous children and youth attend the cluster when Ganggalah visits and six people have attended Ganggalah’s Training Centre to complete a higher Christian education. This has a longterm effect on the Inverell area: some of those students have come back to Inverell and others will come back to minister in the near future.
Support An Indigenous Student Many Ganggalah Training students come from rural communities and live with other students in Tweed Heads for six months of intense study, before returning home for practical internships. Students fundraise and approach family and friends to help with costs, usually raising more than half of the $7,000 required. But for the vast majority there is a shortfall and for some, the costs are just too prohibitive. Sponsors play a critical role in helping students cover the costs required so they can focus on study. By sponsoring a student, supporters can track with that new leader as he/ she is equipped for ministry.
Ganggalah’s relationship in Inverell has produced much fruit and is seen as a long-term partnership.”
Gap in fees per student: $2,500
Philip James Whan
Annual cost based on 10 students: $70,000
Presiding elder, Christ the Saviour Christian Covenant Community Inc.
partnership.. Become A Church Partner As a church partner, we invite you to join with us in seeing Indigenous Australia transformed. Together, we can build the cultural awareness of, and engagement with, Indigenous Australians among your church. Your financial support will serve to support students and Indigenous ministries nationally. As a church partner, Ps Will would be pleased to preach and connect with your congregation and we invite you to attend our annual National Conference as we celebrate and equip Indigenous and non-Indigenous Christians. Annual Church Partner giving: $1,000+
Visits to remote Indigenous communities by Ps Will and Ganggalah Training students can breathe new life into these faithful leaders, providing the encouragement and hope needed for them to continue in their significant ministry. Yet the cost of even basic travel to rural areas can be prohibitive, with small recipient churches and ministries struggling to cover costs and therefore limiting the impact Ganggalah can have in seeing remote Indigenous communities reinvigorated. Average annual cost to support remote Indigenous ministries: $20,000
vision giving.. Regular or One-Time Financial Gifts A general donation to Ganggalah – whether regular or once-off – will see funds go where they are needed most around the areas of training, equipping and Aboriginal arts.
WWW.GANGGALAH.COM PO BOX. 6369 Tweed Heads South, NSW, 2486 Ph/Fx [07] 5524 7856 E enquiries@ganggalah.com This Page: young people from Ganggalah church.